Kathmandu: The ILO and Solid Waste Management Association of Nepal (SWMAN) convened a multi-stakeholder dialogue bringing together the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety, municipalities, private waste management companies, subcontractors and representatives of informal waste workers to gather practical inputs for adapting the Formalize Your Business (FYB) training and identify pathways for progressive formalization in Nepal’s waste management sector.
The discussion explored the policy, institutional and market challenges affecting formalization, including business registration, labour and occupational safety and health compliance, social security, municipal contracting, and the relationships between principal companies and subcontractors.
The dialogue will directly inform the adaptation of the ILO’s Formalize Your Business (FYB) training tool for private waste management companies and subcontractors, helping build their capacity to strengthen business practices while promoting decent work.
The discussion also comes at an important time as the Ministry of Infrastructure Development advances amendments to solid waste management legislation and develops a national framework for the sector. Participants shared practical recommendations to help shape evidence-based policy and support a more formal, productive and sustainable waste management sector in Nepal.
